On Thursday, July 19, 2018, a major storm struck Table Rock Lake in southwestern Missouri. When the storm hit, a duck boat carrying 31 people struggled to stay afloat while making its way back to shore. The squall continued to get worse, and the ripples on the lake grew into large waves, ultimately overturning the vessel.
After the duck boat capsized and began to sink, Branson police immediately went into action and brought in the US Coast Guard to help locate missing people using divers and sonar. The search continued throughout the night and into the morning. All passengers were accounted for by approximately 12:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.
There were 14 survivors and 17 casualties. Among the deceased were children, senior adults, and the driver of the boat, Robert Williams.
What Caused the Duck Boat Accident?
The squall on Table Rock Lake hit quickly and suddenly, and authorities issued a severe thunderstorm warning roughly 30 minutes before the duck boat was overturned.
At the time, the president of the tour boat operation’s parent company, Jim Pattison, Jr. said he did not know when the duck boat went out on the water. He stated that the boat was on its way back to the dock when waves overwhelmed the vessel, forcing it to partially submerge and turn over.
Missouri Duck Boat Operator Sued for $100 Million After Deadly Accident
A federal lawsuit seeking $100 million was filed on behalf of the family, which lost 9 family members in the fatal duck boat sinking in Missouri. When the Ride the Ducks Branson amphibious vessel started sinking, the canopy entrapped the passengers and dragged them to the bottom of the lake, according to the family’s attorney.
The estates of Belinda and Angela Coleman were listed as plaintiffs in a court filing, while the operators of the boats were listed as defendants. Authorities named 9 victims with the surname Coleman, including 4 children, the youngest just 1. The victims were Angela, 45; Arya, 1; Belinda, 69; Ervin, 76; Evan, 7; Glenn, 40; Horace, 70; Maxwell, 2; and Reece, 9.
“Despite being aware of impending severe weather conditions, Ripley intentionally decided to take the Duck Boat out onto Table Rock Lake instead of canceling the tour and refunding the patrons’ money,” the complaint said. The defendants had been warned on numerous occasions that the canopies used on their duck boats were dangerous and created death traps for passengers in the event of an emergency.
According to the complaint, the defendants were warned as recently as August 2017 that their duck boats’ dangerous design put them at risk of sinking. However, the complaint said that the defendants’ “greed caused them to ignore severe weather conditions that demanded they cancel all trips scheduled for their Duck Boats.”
“Defendants were specifically told that the dangerous design of the Duck Boats rendered them susceptible to sinking in the event of rough conditions on the water due to the improper placement of the motor’s exhaust in front of the boat and below the water line” the complaint said.
Ripley Entertainment, the owner of Ride the Ducks of Branson, said in a statement that it remains deeply saddened by the accident.
Our Hearts Break for the Victims of the Branson Duck Boat Accident and Their Families
Our team at DM Injury Law is deeply disturbed to hear of the 17 passengers who were killed in this disastrous accident. Our hearts are saddened to think of the surviving family members and friends who will continue on in the absence of their loved ones.
If you or someone you love was harmed during the duck boat incident, the boating accident attorneys on our staff offer your services and are prepared to help if possible.
We have handled several similar cases and successfully advocated for individuals and families dealing with the fallout of boating accidents, which often include large, incurred expenses, medical bills, funeral costs, and so on.
In one instance, we reached a settlement of $900,000.00 after a serious boat accident to help the injured and their loved ones recuperate without facing unnecessary financial hardship. If you are in need of legal services, we have the skills and experience necessary to take your case.
Contact us if we can be of service in any way.